HIS VAST EXPERIENCE spans from his culinary training in San Francisco to working with some of the world’s leading chefs such as Wolfgang Puck, Rocco di Spirito and Jean-Georges Vongerichten in both New York and London. Mendes is a pioneer in gastronomy, a traveller or ‘viajante’ who has explored the globe in search of unique ingredients, innovative techniques and first-hand experience on local farms.

In 2006 Nuno opened Bacchus in Hoxton, London where he received critical acclaim for his avant-garde food. Following on from this, Nuno set up and developed a brand new concept called The Loft Project. The Loft Project grew from an underground supper club movement to, what Nuno calls, a ‘chef’s gallery’. The Loft Project became a platform for Nuno to create new recipes whilst hosting informal dinner parties for willing and intrigued diners. Nuno then invited up-and-coming chefs from around the world take up residence and use The Loft Project as their platform to create and offer an intimate dining experience in Mendes’ own home.

Viajante restaurant opened in the Town Hall Hotel in 2010, and ever since opening has been a catalyst for the current burgeoning East London food scene. Set in the urban landscape of Bethnal Green, the restaurant has received wide-spread recognition from critics as well as a coveted Michelin star within just nine months of opening.